ALASTAIR DALTON

A WOMAN carrying four children in Arbroath was among 378 drivers and passengers fined £100 for not wearing seatbelts in a 24-hour crackdown by Police Scotland which ended yesterday.

The woman and two of the children, aged eight and nine - one of whom was in the front passenger seat - did not have belts on.

Police Scotland said she would be reported to the fiscal for the children not wearing belts, and for driving with a provisional licence while unaccompanied by a qualified driver and not displaying L plates.

The force said the “day of action” from 7am on Wednesday to 7am on Thursday was part of its drive to cut road casualties and a European initiative to highlight the “absolute” need to wear a seatbelt whilst travelling in a vehicle.

Inspector Grant Edward, of Police Scotland said: “It is very disappointing to see so many motorists caught not wearing their seatbelt during the initiative and I’m sure they will be feeling the impact of the £100 fine.

“More importantly they have placed themselves at greater risk of injury and I would urge everyone to consider the implications of not wearing a seatbelt.”

A 33-year-old father with nine penalty points on his licence is facing a driving ban after he was caught in Midlothian during the crackdown with his 14-month-old son unrestrained on the back seat of his car.